Online information sessions: 24 June

Increasingly, high-level performance relies on an understanding of the psychology of stamina and success, not only in sport but in areas as diverse as business, the performing arts, the military and emergency services.

Drawing on current research and practice, this fascinating programme introduces you to the issues that relate to both individual and group performance, then encourages you to develop techniques to minimise the influence of limitations, such as anxiety and distraction.

Striking a balance between psychological methods and the wider professional skills needed to apply them, the courses you'll undertake will give you the knowledge and tools you'll need to critically appraise and apply scientific literature and to plan, conduct and disseminate your own research.

This programme is ideally suited for those interested in working in sport psychology and in related areas such as occupational or business psychology, executive coaching, team building, outdoor management and adventurous training, where you can capitalise on the increasing interest in the application of performance psychology. Recent graduates have taken up roles in sports psychology, private consultancy in sports, business and the performing arts, outdoor and adventure training, and higher and tertiary education.

You may choose to extend your studies with a doctoral degree (after completion of the MSc) or apply the transferable skills you will gain in areas such as communication and project management to a career in any field.

International qualifications

English language requirements

You must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies, regardless of your nationality or country of residence.

English language tests

For 2020 entry we accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified*:

IELTS: total 6.5 (at least 6.0 in each module)

TOEFL-iBT (including Special Home Edition): total 92 (at least 20 in each module). We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.

PTE Academic: total 61 (at least 56 in each of the "Communicative Skills" sections)

CAE and CPE: total 176 (at least 169 in each module)

Trinity ISE: ISE II with a distinction in all four components

For 2021 entry we will accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified*:

IELTS: total 6.5 (at least 6.0 in each module)

TOEFL-iBT (including Special Home Edition): total 92 (at least 20 in each module). We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.

CAE and CPE: total 176 (at least 169 in each module)

Trinity ISE: ISE II with a distinction in all four components

*(Revised 21 February 2020 to remove PTE Academic from 2021 entry requirements. Revised 21 April 2020 to include TOEFL-iBT Special Home Edition in 2020 and 2021 entry requirements.)

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic or Trinity ISE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

UK government postgraduate loans

If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK's governments. The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on your programme, the duration of your studies, and your residency status. (Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.)

MSc Performance Psychology - 2 Years (Part-time)

PgDip Performance Psychology - 9 Months (Full-time)

PgDip Performance Psychology - 2 Years (Part-time)

We encourage you to apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.

The University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number
SC005336, VAT Registration Number GB 592 9507 00, and is acknowledged by the UK authorities as a
“Recognised body” which has been
granted degree awarding powers.